2018 Jeep Wrangler: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Vehicle equipped with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine developed loud ticking noises, engine misfires, and loss of power while driving. The vehicle hesitated during acceleration and could not reliably maintain speed, creating a safety risk in traffic. An authorized dealership pulled diagnostic trouble codes, acknowledged the abnormal ticking, and advised the failure was likely related to the camshaft, lifters, and rocker arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic for further inspection. The independent mechanic confirmed failure of the valve train and camshaft components, requiring replacement of the passenger side intake camshaft (Bank 2), cam phaser, phaser bolt, and all lifters and rocker arms. Photos of the failed components are available. The defect was confirmed by both a dealership and an independent repair facility. Issue presents risk of sudden loss of power while the vehicle is in motion.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Engine · NC

The Check Engine light illuminated and diagnostic code P219A was recorded (Bank 1 Air/Fuel Ratio Imbalance), and the engine has a ticking noise. The dealership has indicated the issue likely involves the valvetrain/rocker arms/lifters and will require engine internal repair (valve cover removal, spark plug replacement, possible rocker arm replacement) estimated at ~$2,900-$4,500. The 3.6 L Pentastar engine has been the subject of numerous owner complaints of ticking noise, power loss, misfire, and premature valvetrain failure. I understand there have been related Jeep Technical Service Bulletins (such as 09-002-14 and 09-008-18) addressing these types of failures. A class action lawsuit (Maugain et al. v. FCA US LLC) alleges defects in the 3.6L Pentastar engine’s valve train (rocker arms, lifters) and failure to disclose the defect. Maintenance History: Regular oil changes (every <6,000 miles) at approved service centers; no prior major engine internal repairs. Concern: The defect affects engine performance, may lead to catastrophic engine failure, and potentially reduces safe vehicle operation and control (power loss, hesitation). Relief Sought: I request the federal safety agency open a vehicle safety defect investigation and compel FCA / Chrysler / Jeep to evaluate this condition under recall criteria.

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Engine · 98,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate while driving uphill or downhill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the catalytic converter was replaced. After several more tests on the vehicle, it was determined that there was a leak in the engine block, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2023 · Transmission · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while shifting gear. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jun 22, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · 88,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence, where she parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter seized. The vehicle responded as needed after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer received remote assistance from Jeep engineers. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "4WD Disabled", "Parking System Disabled", "Park" and other unknown messages were displayed. The traction control warning light, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who cleared the codes, but could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the windshield wipers engaged independently, the fuel gauge fluctuated up and down. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's daughter. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the TPMS and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000. The contact stated the vehicle couldn't be diagnosed and out of pocket for rental and repairs for the vehicle.

Filed Dec 23, 2021 · Steering · FL

My steering on my Jeep feels stiff occasionally. Hesitation/Resistance when trying to steer. This happens once in a while. More often on cold mornings, right after a cold start.

Filed Dec 21, 2021 · Electrical · NM

Vehicle failed to restart at the rest area with 18,000 miles on it. I called the service truck and made a report to the dealer the vehicle started within 15 minutes of setting . Went to dealership and had the Jeep checked out. They could not find any thing that was wrong. We were told it had to be malfunctioning to find the problem. Today we were at a grocery store stopped came back in the vehicle would not start. After about 15 minutes vehicle started, while leaving the parking lot the Jeep made a bucking hesitating movement. I Called the dealer they said the Vin number was not on recall. The 2018 jk Jeep has 22,000 miles on it. Found this U 87 recall on the powertrain Control module. Thank you

Filed Feb 16, 2021 · Transmission · 20,900 miles · PA

My jeep wrangler has had a sticky transmission since I initially purchased it and the dealership has been giving me the run around since. The transmission hesitates to transition between gears while accelerating and even makes a loud high idling noise while accelerating as if it doesn't want to accelerate. I've been to the dealership 4 times to be serviced for the same issue and they havent fixed it and now keeps saying there's nothing wrong. I rented the same model jeep for two weeks before buying this one so I know exactly how it should drive. Please help me and investigate. I paid too much for my jeep to have my experience ruined by a bad transmission.

Filed Nov 12, 2019 · Steering · 11,300 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the tire pressure warning indicator illuminated and the power steering failed. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to maneuver the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. The contact stated that turning the steering to the right operated as intended; however, when turning the steering wheel to the left, the wheels hesitated to respond. The vehicle was taken to lindsay chrysler dodge jeep ram (8100 centreville rd, city of manassas, va 20111, (888) 241-6888) to be diagnosed, which was still pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 68116814. The approximate failure mileage was 11,300. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jun 30, 2018 · Fuel system · 3,000 miles · VA

Car leaking fuel the car turned of while approaching a stop light (~15mph). I put it park and started it again, no problem. As I approached the next stop light, it turned off again. This time it took cranked for about 4 seconds before starting. I headed towards the nearest parking lot and the car started hesitating. When I pulled in I found that it was leaking gas from what appeared to be above the gas tank. It puddled up behind the passenger rear of the vehicle. Got it towed to the dealer from there. - no gas leaked where it was previously parked for over 6 hours. - problems started only a couple minutes after starting it - car had a full tank of gas, filled it that morning. - as the tow driver got it lifted, a lot more gas started leaking out. (while only the front end was on the flat bed). - about a half a gallon of gas leaked out (that I know of) *bf update 11/2/18